Project Logs Update 8

$0 scratch mod

There is little in life that is so fun or exciting as getting something for nothing. Though many of us equate that to people giving gifts or rewards, sometimes it just means a bit of scrounging. That premise is exactly what prompted -equilerex- to start his project at the end of last year, and it's starting to really shape up.

The basic concept of $0 scratch mod is exactly that - the entire case, from start to finish, should cost nothing. It has been constructed with the creative use of stuff that -equilerex- has had access to around his home and family's business, which seems to end up with quite a bit of scrap metal. Even the tools are rather low-tech: bending is done with blocks of wood and a hammer rather than a brake, and the metal is cut with a rotary grinder (with a cutting disc) and a jigsaw rather than with fancy metal bladed scroll saws or bandsaws. However, don't let that fool you - the end result is pretty impressive.

The tube was shaped by rolling a piece of scrap aluminum after cutting the backplate holes, and then riveting it together. Compression bands were then added to keep the shape, and details like the radiation symbol were cut and added with care.

The PSU was modded with some diamond mesh that was lying about, and the effect turned out really well. It was then duplicated with other fan holes, like the one seen on the top of the case.

To light the project, -equilerex- scalped LEDs from old car tail lamps. He then used bits of metal tubing to give the lights direction so he could aim them around the case. Wiring was done with more parts ripped from junker cars, which also provided some fancy "break away" connections so that he could easily remove the lid once the lights and switches were mounted.

The final system is shaping up really nicely, particularly for the investment. With all of the high-end and expensive mods that come through the forums, sometimes it's nice to see what a creative mind and steady hand can do with just what's lying around.

Keep up the great work, -equilerex-. We're keeping an eye on your project log!